Advent — The Advent of Love

Centered on Matthew 1:18–25 , this message slows down on the costly faith of Joseph — a man within his rights to expose or even stone Mary, who instead chose quiet mercy until an angel confirmed her words. The weight falls on one small word: Emmanuel, God with us . The sermon contrasts what Scripture says with what the world whispers — that God forgets us, regrets us, condemns us, is against us. The Christmas claim is the opposite: God is with us, in the greatest joys and the most anguishing losses alike. Drawing on 1 John 4:10 and Hebrews 4:15 , it presents a remarkably relatable Christ, tempted in every way yet without sin, who came to serve and to die so the fractured relationship could be made eternal. The closing question: like the innkeeper, do you have room for him?